Students race through books for benefit of literacy council

Perry County third- and fourth-grade students participated in the Perry County Literacy Council's Race for Reading program.

"Six public schools and two private schools participated in the event," said Kit Wentzel, family literacy coordinator.

The literacy council brings together schools, local businesses and the community in an effort to promote reading. Students began reading March 3 and didn't stop until March 17 when the program ended.

"The kids look forward to the program," said Wentzel. "They have a great time with it.'

Eager to earn some prizes, each student was given a log book. After their parents signed required forms stating that they read the books, the forms were turned over to their teachers. Teachers then signed the log books, confirming that the books were age appropriate. After students completed five books, they got incentive prizes which were donated by businesses.

"The kids responded beautifully," said Wentzel. "They were very competitive.'

In addition, the top third- and fourth-grade readers in each school received a $5 gift certificate from Hall's Dairy, and the top third- and fourth-grade classroom in each school received an ice cream party courtesy of the Dairy Promotion Association of Perry County.

"As part of the program, the literacy council donates money to all participating school libraries," said Wentzel.

The Perry County Literacy Council, which supports reading as a lifelong endeavor, is grateful to the students, teachers and sponsors who helped the Race for Reading program promote reading across the county.